Science & Technology Reviews | May 1, 2012

Among the many celebrity chefs who have written memoirs, Samuelsson, winner of the second season of Bravo’s Top Chef Masters, stands out for his ability to layer effectively the stories of his globe-spanning life and career with evocative descriptions of meals (as readers of food writing expect). Although he was born in a remote Ethiopian village, his mother died of tuberculosis when he was three years old, and he and his sister were adopted by the Samuelssons from Göteborg, Sweden. He spent his childhood playing soccer, fishing with his father, and watching his grandmother cook. Samuelsson’s passion and drive took him around the world to apprentice with the best. He finally landed in New York City, where he gained at Aquavit a coveted three-star New York Times review. VERDICT This distinctive and compelling memoir has all the elements of a good story: humor, travel, and a young individual overcoming obstacles via a passionate calling. Highly recommended for Samuelsson’s many fans and lovers of culinary memoirs. [See Prepub Alert, 12/12/11.]‚ Ann Wilberton, Pace Univ. Lib., Brooklyn, NY

Inspired by the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) exhibit in New York City, Brain: the Inside Story, this book guides readers through a remarkable exploration of evolution that incorporates physical and behavioral ancestral records, compares the human brain’s evolution to that of other mammals and organisms, and describes how sensory perception engages the nervous system, influencing brain development and evolution. In examining the brain’s molecular responses, reflexive reactions, emotional responses, and memory, DeSalle (curator, Sackler Inst. for Comparative Genomics, AMNH) and Tattersall (curator, emeritus, anthropology, AMNH) use clear examples from the exhibit as well as humor. They cover the impact of language and linguistic development, the visual system, the hominid’s use of tools, the development of complex social communities, and the importance of a diet enriched by animal fat and protein in enlarging the hominid brain. VERDICT Superbly written and well researched, this is a welcome addition to the popular neuroscience canon. It will appeal to those interested in human evolution, anthropology, brain evolution, and human consciousness. Highly recommended.‚ Candice A. Kail, Columbia Univ., New York

Biologist Heinrich follows up Mind of the Raven: Investigations and Adventureswith Wolf-Birds, an excellent study of wild birds, with this book. While the title conjures a religious tone, the work is actually a careful examination of biological recycling, the breaking down and reuse of the dead bodies of animals and plants. Through personal examination and research, Heinrich finds that We come from and return to incomparably amazing plants and animals. Even while we are alive, our wastes are recycled directly into beetles, grass, and trees, which are recycled further into bees and butterflies and on to flycatchers, finches, and hawks, and back into grass and on into deer, cows, goats, and us. He studies beetles, birds, worms, fungi, and deep-sea scavengers to see how biological materials find their way back into the web of life. He proposes that not all animals killed on the road be buried, since that flesh can be used productively by myriad creatures, and even questions the practice of permanent coffin-based human interments. VERDICTHeinrich writes with insight in entertaining prose that still manages to be scientific. Highly recommended. [See Prepub Alert, 12/16/11.]‚ John M. Kistler, Washington, PA

With the increasing popularity of herbal remedies, many readers are interested in creating their own treatments. Here, herbalist Bellebuono offers an introductory course for those who want to make remedies and body-care items. She provides information on 13 primary herbs commonly used for diverse purposes and easy to identify and grow. (Calendula, ginger, mint, and raspberry are among them.) She then discusses how to use fresh and dried herbs, which conditions they treat, and how to make medicinal products. She encourages readers to consult health practitioners before using herbs. Chapters on medicines for men, women, and children; one on herbs during pregnancy; and recipes complete the book. The author includes a glossary, dosage guidelines for children and adults, a seasonal chart for harvesting herbs, a list of common plant names and their Latin binomials, and a resource list. VERDICT This is a balanced basic introduction on creating herbal medicines; recommended.‚ Barbara M. Bibel, Oakland P.L

Respected herbalist Gladstar tailors her guide for beginners who want to grow their own herbs and create remedies using them. She begins with an overview of herbal medicine and instructions on growing, harvesting, and drying herbs. She explains how to make tinctures, salves, teas, syrups, and other medicinal preparations. She also encourages readers to consult health-care practitioners about integrating herbal medicines into their therapy. She then discusses 33 common herbs, nine familiar spices (basil, garlic, ginger, etc.) and 24 safe & effective herbs (aloe vera, peppermint, Echinacea, etc.). The entry for each herb includes its Latin name, growing instructions, parts used, key constituents, safety factor, medicinal uses, and recipes. Color photographs of the plants and a list of resources complete the work. VERDICT This is very similar to Holly Bellebuono’s An Essential Herbal for Radiant Health, reviewed left, but it covers more plants. A good choice for lay practitioners of holistic health.‚ Barbara M. Bibel, Oakland P.L

The world’s oldest remedies, herbal medicines remain popular as alternative therapies increase in use. This book, written by a science writer with a team of physicians and herbalists, offers a detailed look at 72 plants with medicinal properties. Following a brief introduction about growing and safely using medicinal herbs, the authors present the herbs in alphabetical order. Each entry includes a full-page illustration, the plant’s Latin name, a description of it and its uses, its history (including a time line at the bottom of the page), growing conditions, cultivation and harvesting, therapeutic uses, and precautions. The entries are grouped into chapters by body system, e.g., mental health and the nervous system, digestive system. An index of therapeutic uses, a plant index with small pictures, and a glossary make it easy to find information. VERDICT This is an excellent herbal written by physicians trained in integrative medicine. It has more comprehensive information than that found in more basic works like Holly Bellebuono’s The Essential Herbal for Natural Health and Rosemary Gladstar’s Medicinal Herbs, both reviewed left. Highly recommended.‚ Barbara M. Bibel, Oakland P.L.